Pyrophoric striker construction



Oct. 18, 1955 s, POLK 2,720,769

PYROPHORIC STRIKER CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 26, 1954 United States Patent Ofl ice 2,720,769 Patented Oct. 18, 1955 PYROPHORIC STRIKER CONSTRUCTION Emil S. Polk, Scarsdale, N. Y.

Application February 26, 1954, Serial No. 412,832

1 Claim. (Cl. 677.1)

This invention relates generally to the field of pyrophoric lighters, and more particularly to an improved construction of the type employing a pyrophoric striker which is struck against a flint element, in a manner similar to that employed when using conventional matches.

It is among the principal objects of the present invention to provide improved striker construction having means for readily replacing the flint element which comprises an essential part thereof.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of pyrophoric construction which may be of the usually compact configuration, to permit the same to be used in combination tools, such as, pocket knives, and the like.

A further object of the invention lies in the provision of structure of the above type, in which the cost of fabrication may be of a reasonably low order, with consequent wide sale, distribution and use.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of pyrophoric striker construction which may be readily assembled and disassembled by those possessing only ordinary skill, and without resort to any tools whatsoever.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the fully assembled device may be substantially rectangular in over-all configuration, thereby possessing an unusually attractive appearance.

These objects and features, as Well as other incidental ends and advantages, will become more clearly apparent during the course of the following disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claim.

On the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a view in perspective showing a fully as sembled embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view in perspective of the embodiment.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the device showing the side opposite that seen on Figure 1.

In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly: a base element 12, a tank element 14, a striker element 16, a flint element 18 and a cover element 20.

The base element 12 may be of any suitable configuration, and may form, if desired, a support for other tools, as for example, a knife 22, having blades 24 thereupon. The details of the knife 22, or any other combination tool which may be substituted, form no part of the invention.

The base member includes a grooved member 26, having a left-hand groove 28 and a right-hand groove 30, which define an upper elongated member 32 and a lower elongated member 34. The upper elongated member 32 has an angularly disposed positioning member 36, the inner surface 38 of which is engageable with a portion of the tank element 14 to position the same upon the base element when the device is fully assembled.

The tank element 14 is of generally rectangular configuration, including a pair of relatively wider sides 40,

and a pair of relatively narrower sides 42, as well as a pair of end portions 44. The end portion 44 seen on Figures l and 2 is provided with a recess 46 and bore 48 to accommodate the striker element 16 when the same is positioned therein. At the opposite end, a rectangularly-shaped recess 50 extends inwardly from one of the narrower sides 42, and provides means forvretaining the flint element 18.

The striker element 16 is of match-like configuration, as shown on Figure 2, including a tubular portion 52, which suports a wick member 54, and striking steel member 56. The handle member 58 is of generally larger diameter, so as to accurately fit within the recess 46 in the tank element 14.

The flint element 18 is preferably cast from molten flint to the configuration shown on Figure 2. 'It is bounded by three planar surfaces 60, a pair of end surfaces, one of which is shown at 62, and a grooved surface 64, the last-mentioned surface being adapted to be struck by the member 56 on the striker element 16.

The cover element 20 is adapted to be slidably engaged with the base element 12, and includes an upper side member 66, a left side member 68, a right side member 70, and an end member 72 adapted to abut the outer surface (not shown) of the positioning member 36. Extending toward each other from the left and right side members 68 and 70, are a left tongue member 74 and a right tongue member 76, respectively, which are adapted to slide within the left and right grooves 28 and 30 in the base element 12. A small cut-out portion matches the recess 46, when the device is assembled, and permits the handle member 58 of the striker element 16 to be easily grasped.

The device is assembled substantially as shown on Figure 2, the flint element 18 being inserted within the flint retaining recess 50 in the tank element 14, after which the tank element is in turn positioned upon the upper surface 82 of the base member 12. The cover element is then engaged within the grooves 28 and 30, and slid rightwardly as seen on Figure 2, until the device assumes the condition shown on Figure 1. The device is then used in a well-known manner, the striker element 16 being inserted within the bore 48 at the end of each use, to be remoistened with fuel, after which the same may be removed as shown on Figure 2, and the steel member 56 being struck upon the flint element 18 by inserting the same through the elongated slot 78 which overlies the same. As the dimensions of the slot are smaller than those of the flint element 18, a relatively loose fit may be employed between the flint element 18 and the flint retaining recess 50, since when the device is fully assembled, the cover maintains the same in proper position.

To replace the flint element after the same has become Worn, it is necessary only to slide the cover element 20 to the left as seen on Figure 2, and remove the tank element 14 from contact with the base element 12. The front element may then be easily moved with the fingers of the user, to be replaced by a fresh element. Reassembly of the device in the manner above set forth again maintains the flint element in operative position.

It may thus be seen that I have intended novel and highly useful improvements in pyrophoric striker construction, in which there has been provided a simple, easily manufactured device which may be readily disassembled at will, Without the use of any special skill. The flint element is maintained within the device without resort to screws or tightening devices, which may readily break or otherwise damage the flint. When it is desired to replace the same, it is necessary only to disengage a cover element from a base element and lift free the tank element which supports the flint element,

and may be of sufficiently sturdy construction to offer a relatively long useful life.

I wi'sh it m be understood that'gI do not consider the invention limited to the exact details ofstructure, shown and set'forth in this specification, .for obvious modifica: tions will; occur to those skillediinthe art to which'the present invention pertains.

A pyrophoricxlighter cornprisingz a base element, a cover element, a tank, a striker element and a flint element;v said cover element-having means for slidably engaging said baseelement' to form a space into which said tank, strikeig-and flint elements are disposable; said tank element 'having a recess therein in which said flint The I device. may bemanufacmredvat. a te sonably 10w co tar eleinent is engageable; said cover elenient having slot 77 me ns sma ler, than) sa d flint elem ntv p pe mit. in ressi i said striker element therethrough to contact said flint ele ment; whereby upon insertion of said flint element into said recess in said tank element, and engagement of 7 said cover element and base element with said tank element, said case element may maintain said flint element within said recess in said tank element.

7 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,937,249 Schifl Nov. 28, 1933 2,531,737 Lyon, Jr. Nov. 28, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 388,957 Great Britain Nov. 28, 1930 

